Sleep is crucial for proper growth and development in children. If your child has difficulty getting or staying asleep, the expert team of board-certified pediatricians at Newport Children’s Medical Group, with locations in Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Laguna Beach, California, have solutions. They offer advanced treatments to help your child get the quality sleep they need. Schedule a sleep disorder consultation over the phone to learn more.
Sleep Disorders Q & A
What are pediatric sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders, which may occur in 25-30% of babies and children, can make getting enough quality sleep difficult or impossible.
Because sleep is a crucial component of proper growth and development in kids, seeking treatment can drastically improve your child’s quality of life and help them thrive at home and in school.
What are the different types of pediatric sleep disorders?
Common pediatric sleep disorders your child might encounter include:
- Arousal disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Central sleep apnea
- Snoring
- Upper airway resistance syndrome
- Insomnia
- Restless leg syndrome
- Parasomnia
These or other sleeping disorders can make it difficult for your child to breathe well when they sleep, fall asleep, stay asleep, or sleep deeply.
What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?
Common signs and symptoms of pediatric sleep disorders include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Nightmares
- Leg twitches
- Sleepwalking
- Behavior problems
- Poor performance at school
- Bed-wetting
- Pauses in breathing
Your child may have difficulty staying awake at school or concentrating. They might be irritable and struggle to get good grades in school.
How are sleep disorders diagnosed?
To diagnose sleep disorders in children, the expert pediatricians at Newport Children’s Medical Group review your child’s medical history and symptoms, and complete a physical examination.
They ask about your child’s behavior at home and in school, medications they may take, and whether they have a family history of sleep disorders.
Your child’s doctor might ask them to complete a sleep study to determine which type of sleep disorder they have, use blood tests, or ask you or your child to keep a sleep diary.
How are sleep disorders treated?
Your child’s personalized sleep disorder treatment plan might include:
Lifestyle changes
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can improve your child’s sleep naturally. Examples include avoiding smoke and allergies, maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and setting a regular bedtime schedule. Make sure your child sleeps in a dark, quiet room.
Medications
Taking certain medications or dietary supplements can make it easier for your child to get and stay asleep.
Adenotonsillectomy
If your child’s tonsils or adenoids obstruct their breathing and diminish sleep quality, removing them during an adenotonsillectomy procedure helps open their airway.
Positive airway pressure therapy
Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while your child sleeps helps them get the air they need through a mask, and keeps their airway open.
Oral appliances
Wearing an oral appliance, or mouthpiece, while your child sleeps can reposition their tongue and jaw to keep their airway open and improve sleep quality.
Don’t let poor sleep negatively affect your child’s life when simple sleep disorder treatments are available at Newport Children’s Medical Group. Schedule an appointment by phone today.